Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or process of throwing or tossing something, especially a ball in sports: This meaning focuses on the action of propelling an object, typically with the hand and arm.
   • The abrupt up-and-down motion of a vehicle, especially a ship or aircraft: This meaning describes a specific type of oscillatory movement, distinct from rolling or yawing.
   • (Baseball) Playing the position of pitcher: This meaning refers to the role or activity of being the player who throws the ball to the batter.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • His pitching improved after he worked on his curveball. (This refers to his skill in throwing the baseball.)
  • The severe pitching of the small boat made several passengers seasick. (This refers to the violent up-and-down motion of the boat.)
  • She was responsible for the team's pitching during the championship series. (This refers to the performance of the pitcher(s) as a collective function.)

Advanced Usage

• "Pitching a tent": This is a common collocation meaning to set up or erect a tent.
  • We spent an hour pitching our tent before the storm arrived.
• "Pitching an idea": This is a metaphorical use meaning to present a proposal or concept for consideration.
  • He spent the morning pitching his new business plan to investors.
• "Pitching in": This phrasal verb means to contribute help or effort to a common cause.
  • Everyone pitched in to clean up after the party.

Variants and Related Words

• Pitch (verb/noun): The base form. As a verb, it means to throw or to set the level/tone. As a noun, it can mean the throw itself, a sales presentation, a degree of slope, or a black, sticky substance.
• Pitcher (noun): The player in baseball who pitches the ball; also a container for pouring liquids.
• Pitchy (adjective): Resembling or full of pitch (the substance); in music, not perfectly in tune.

Synonyms

• Throwing: Propelling something through the air with an arm motion.
• Tossing: Throwing something lightly or casually.
• Lurching: Making an abrupt, unsteady movement (closer to the motion sense).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Pitch in: To contribute or help.
  • If we all pitch in, we can finish this project on time.
• Pitch up: To arrive or appear (informal, chiefly British English).
  • He finally pitched up an hour late.

Related Idioms

• "Wild pitch": (Baseball) A pitch that is so far from the batter that the catcher cannot control it, allowing base runners to advance.
  • The winning run scored on a wild pitch.
• "Make a pitch for": To give arguments in favor of something; to try to get support for.
  • The mayor made a strong pitch for the new tax proposal.
• "Queer someone's pitch" (Chiefly British): To spoil someone's plans or chances.
  • The bad weather really queered our pitch for the outdoor event.

Noun

1. abrupt up-and-down motion (as caused by a ship or other conveyance)
   • the pitching and tossing was quite exciting
2. (baseball) playing the position of pitcher on a baseball team